Rape: Anambra State Library Takes Sex Education To Rural Community

By  Izunna Okafor

As part of its efforts in promoting sanity and moral uprightness in the society, and in a bid to contribute its own quota in curbing the incessant increase in the cases of rape in the country; Anambra State Library Board has taken Sex Education to the doorstep of rural dwellers.

Tagged "Sexual Assault: Curbing the Monster," the Sex Education event which was organized in collaboration with Davina Care Foundation, held at the Amichi Branch Library in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Speaking at the event, the Director, Anambra State Library Board, Dr. Nkechi Udeze visibly frowned at the rate at which cases of rape daily increase incessantly in the country now, even as she condemned sexual assault in its entirety, describing it as abominable, disheartening and worrisome.

While highlighting with instances, some cases of rape and sexual assault in the society, perpetrated both against the old and the young; Dr. Udeze called for collective efforts towards 'curbing the monster', even as she called for regular usage of the library both by the old and the young.

In their respective lectures at the event, the resource persons which include the Founder, Davina Care Foundation, Mrs. Yohanna Racheal; Nursing Officer 1 at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Mrs. Ikenwa Uche, and the Branch Librarian, Ozubulu Library, Mr. Peter Ibe exposed to the participants, the various types of sexual assault, their causes, their numerous effects and their aftermaths on the individuals involved, their families and the society at large.

While advising parents to always give listening ears to their children, the resource persons also dosed out measures for curbing sexual assault in the society, which include being on alert at all times, imbibing the habit of self-control, avoidance of excessive alcohol and other intoxicants, decent dressing, good parenting and proper child upbringing, awareness creation, among others.

Appreciating the Anambra State Library Board for hosting the event in her branch; the Branch Librarian in charge of Amichi Branch Library, Mrs Perpetual Okonkwo also appreciated and expressed satisfaction with the number of participants at the event (most of whom were men), while also advising them to utilize and also take the knowledge they have garnered and its accompanying message to their various homes and villages.

In an interview with National Light, the President General of Amichi Development Union, Chief Daniel Ugwumba who noted that every village and unit in the community was represented at the event, described the event as intriguing, educative, informative, impactful and laudable in every sense of it.

In their separate reactions, some of the participants at the event, including the Chairman, School Based Management Committee in Nnewi South L.G.A. Hon. Godson Awugosi, and the Chief Librarian, Nnewi Divisional Library, Mrs. Agbasi Joice Ngozi lauded the organizers of the event, and also pledged to take the message home to further spread it.